Abstract: Vibratory conveyors, vibratory conveyor systems, and related methods are disclosed. An exemplary vibratory conveyor includes a support frame; a pan configured to receive a conveyed material, the pan mounted for cyclic movement relative to the support frame, the pan having a pan axis generally aligned with a conveying direction; and at least two linear servomotors operatively coupled to move the pan relative to the support frame, the at least two linear servomotors comprising a first linear servomotor and a second linear servomotor. The first linear servomotor defines a first linear servomotor actuating axis, the second linear servomotor defines a second linear servomotor actuating axis, and the first linear servomotor actuating axis is oriented obliquely relative to the second linear servomotor actuating axis.

Abstract: Problem To improve the efficiency of a combination weighing operation. An article conveyance device 110 includes an article discharge container 10, an article conveyance mechanism 30, an article detection mechanism 60, and a control unit 90. The container 10 has outlets 20 to discharge articles A. The article conveyance mechanism 30 has feeders 40 including a first feeder 41 to an n-th feeder 4n configured to convey the articles A. The article detection mechanism 60 has sensors 70 including a first sensor 71 to an n-th sensor 7n configured to detect the articles A in the first feeder 41 to the n-th feeder 4n, respectively. The control unit 90 judges whether jamming of the articles A is occurring in the outlets 20 based on output of the article detection mechanism 60. The control unit 90 increases a conveyance intensity of some feeders receiving the articles A from places where the jamming is occurring in the outlets 20.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for filling food containers, including: a filling device for filling a food container including a neck through which the food product can be filled and a cap to cover the neck, wherein the filling device is configured to remove the cap and to fill the food container through the neck, a food container label printing device configured to print at least one label for the at least one food container; a user interface, configured at least to start the filling device; and a support for supporting at least the food container.

Abstract: Telescopic conveyor with integrated indexing and measuring conveyor is described, the telescopic conveyor having a frame, at least one telescopic segment mounted so as to be extendable with respect to the frame and a transport conveyor, the transport conveyor is driven at a first conveying speed (v1) and is supported on the at least one telescopic segment and on the frame and wherein the indexing and measuring conveyor is arranged on a delivery side of the transport conveyor. The telescopic conveyor enables the packet items located thereon to be automatically separated while taking up as little space as possible. The indexing and measuring conveyor is mounted on the same frame and is driven at a second conveying speed (v2), the second conveying speed (v2) being greater than the first conveying speed (v1).

Abstract: A weighing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a dispersion table configured to rotate an article supplied from an outside around a central axis defined in a substantially vertical direction and to convey the article in a direction away from the central axis; an acquisition unit configured to acquire a mass value of the article placed on the dispersion table; and a control unit configured to control a rotation speed of the dispersion table on the basis of the mass value. The control unit is configured to set the rotation speed of the dispersion table to a first rotation speed when the mass value is equal to or less than a first mass value, and to set the rotation speed of the dispersion table to a second rotation speed slower than the first rotation speed when the mass value is a second mass value heavier than the first mass value.

Abstract: An illustrative example level detector for a hot melt system includes a scale having a load cell and a controller having an indicator configured to alert an operator when a weight detected by the load cell has decreased by a user-selected maximum allowable amount.

Abstract: A checkout apparatus including a self-checkout unit having a product identification device, a payment identification device, a microprocessor and a point-of-sale system configured to allow a touchless speed tender transaction. The invention also includes an apparatus and method for offering a mode-driven and/or customer-driven checkout transaction.

Abstract: A method for processing pharmaceutical powders, which comprises providing a feeder module including a plurality of feeder units each with a storage hopper, a weighing cell, a conveyer, and a discharge end, connecting the storage hopper to a refilling system with a refilling valve, connecting the refilling valve to a level or weight indicator disposed above the refilling valve, connecting the discharge end to a common receiving container, refilling the storage hopper with a powder intermittently 40 to 80 times per hour, storing data during refilling, transporting powder from the storage hopper with the respective conveyer, and discharging powder from each feeder unit into the common receiving container. During each refilling of the storage hopper, the refilling valve dispenses powder into the storage hopper and, during the step of transporting the powder from the storage hopper, the conveyer is operated according to the data collected during previous refills.

Abstract: An electrical drive system includes a motor, a load device and a coupling unit, wherein a slip is calculated by comparing signals between a motor sensor and a load sensor, and a motor sensor-based position of the load device is cyclically updated, provided that a slip remains below a slip threshold value.

Abstract: Cannula apparatus, ventricular assist systems including the cannula apparatus, and methods of priming and placing the cannula apparatus and ventricular assist systems are described herein.

Abstract: A hopper apparatus comprises a movable wall comprising opposing walls movably connected to a support assembly and oriented at acute angles relative to a central vertical axis of the support assembly, and movement control devices configured and positioned to move the opposing walls along the support assembly to control dimensions of a discharge outlet at least partially defined by converging ends of the opposing walls; a liner assembly comprising liner structures at least partially overlying inner surfaces of the opposing walls and configured to remain at least partially stationary relative to the opposing walls during movement of the opposing walls; and pressure sensors between the inner surfaces of opposing walls and portions of the liner structures thereover. A bulk solids processing system and a method of processing a bulk solid are also described.

Abstract: A method of controlling an upstream and a downstream process wherein the upstream process conditions a stream of product delivered to the downstream process is provided. The control method uses an empirically determined formula to determine a metric for adjusting the activity of the upstream process to thereby adjust the rate with which the upstream process conditions and feeds a stream of conditioned product to the downstream process. The empirically determined formula determines the metric using two input variables: a duty cycle setting of the upstream process and an output rate of the downstream process expressed as a decimal amount of the output rate set-point.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for providing a security check of items being purchased by a consumer. A digital image of items for purchase arranged on a scale is captured. An estimated total weight and a cumulative center of mass of the items are estimated. An actual total weight and cumulative center of mass of the items are measured using the scale. If the estimated total weight of the items differs from the actual total weight by more than a first threshold amount and/or if the estimated cumulative center of mass of the items differs from the measured cumulative center of mass by more than a second threshold amount, an alert can be output. The alert can include an instruction for the customer or a store employee to rearrange the items on the scale to attempt to resolve the discrepancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guide unit for measurement acting as a guide for measuring the micro-weight of fine grains having minute weight and volume, such as powders, granules, seeds and pills, and to a micro-weight measuring system for accurately measuring the fine grains by a preset micro-weight by using the guide unit for measurement. The present invention has an effect of being capable of measuring the micro-weight as a unit to thereby package fine grains such as powders, granules, seeds and pills by micro-weight unit. In addition, the present invention has an effect of being capable of accurately measuring the fine grains by the preset micro-weight in such a manner that in the procedure of discharging a one-unit-micro-weight of the fine grains, some of the fine grains are discharged at a smaller amount than the initially-discharged amount and are finally discharged by dropping.

Abstract: A vibration generating assembly is described, and which includes an exterior housing having an internal cavity, and opposite first and second ends; a reciprocally moveable carriage which is biasingly supported within the internal cavity of the housing; and an electrical transducer have a magnet which is supported by and reciprocally moveable relative to the biasingly supported carriages, and the electrical transducer has a fixed cylindrically shaped electrical coil which is mounted on the exterior housing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for allocating product carriers, in particular L-boards, to certain types of product portions of a food product, in particular stacks of slices of a food product. During processing of the product portions, at least two different product carriers are available, of which a specific product carrier is respectively combined with the product portion in dependency of a property of a product portion. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a food processing device.

Abstract: Dispensing systems and methods contemplated herein are configured to adjust a first continuous product flow rate to a second continuous but variable flow rate in at least two control modes. Most preferably, a moving average is determined for the second flow rate to provide a first level of control, and a loss-in-weight feedback is determined for the first flow rate to provide a second, finer level of control, which will be abandoned when the feedback moves beyond a predetermined threshold relative to a calculated product flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of conveying and selectively discharging food products by providing a feeding system. The feeding system (14) comprises an inlet end (20), an outlet end (22), a receptacle (24) below the outlet end, a determination unit at the outlet end (22) and a feeder (18) for conveying the food products from the inlet end to the outlet end. When no food product is present at the outlet or in the receptacle (24), the food products are conveyed at a first average velocity. When a food product is present at the outlet end (22) and no food product is present in the receptacle (24), the food products are conveyed at a second average velocity. The second average velocity is lower than the first average velocity. When the food product is leaving the outlet end or is received within the receptacle (24), the feeder (18) is stopped until the individual food product has left the receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method for weighing varying throughput of conveyed particulate material. The system has a weighing unit for measuring weight of material conveyed on a span of the conveyor and a speed monitoring unit to monitor the speed of the conveyor. A control module is programmed to calculate the instant value of material conveyed per unit length of the conveyor. An output from the control module reduces conveyor speed in response to a reduction in measured weight of material conveyed and increases conveyor speed in response to an increase in measured weight of material conveyed. High accuracy of measurement of the weight of particulate material being conveyed even when the conveyor is lightly loaded.

Abstract: A method of weigh batching for batch formulae using a number of ingredients conveyed to a weigh hopper by a number of different conveyers. Free fall weights and conveyor delivery speeds for each of the ingredients and each of the conveyors used to convey each ingredient are stored in a control system memory. The stored information is used to prepare batches of various formulated products optimizing both the weigh up time and the ingredient weight accuracy.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method which is capable of dispensing very small (typically less than 5 mg) quantities of particles to a high accuracy in a repeatable way and without undue wastage. Also, the need for advanced particle formulation is reduced. The apparatus comprises a closed loop control system which uses an electro-mechanical actuator to deliver impact energy to a supply of particles initially held on a sieve in a hopper. The impact energy causes a small number of particles to fall through the sieve and onto a weight measuring balance. The weight obtained is scrutinised by a processor to see if further actuations are required. In preferred embodiments, the energy of actuation is varied in accordance with the rate of dispensation calculated by the processor. Also, a correction amount can be obtained to take account of the fact that the balance can take a considerable amount of time to settle to its final value.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container.

Abstract: A first gate opens obliquely downward, and maintains the posture, rendering the slope angle of the bottom surface thereof steeper than that of the bottom surface of the second gate. Thus, the bottom surface of the second gate forms a gentle slope sliding surface, and the bottom surface of the first gate forms a steep slope sliding surface. Then articles drop following the shape of a parabola toward the bottom surface of the first gate on the steep slope side, with momentum gained from sliding down the bottom surface of the second gate on the gentle slope side, and then change the sliding trajectory inward upon bumping into the bottom surface of the first gate. The articles then drop following the shape of a parabola toward the center area of a dispersal table, with momentum gained from sliding down the bottom surface of the first gate.

Abstract: A viscous material processing system comprises a feed system controller having a set of instructions to store an input set point weight or amount; sense a progressing weight or amount of material fed by the feed system; compare the progressing weight with the set point weight or amount and terminate feed from the system when the compared progressing weight is substantially equal to the set point weight or amount; and a vicious material compounding system connected to the feed system to receive material fed by the feed system.

Abstract: A viscous material processing system comprises a feed system controller having a set of instructions to store an input set point weight or amount; sense a progressing weight or amount of material fed by the feed system; compare the progressing weight with the set point weight or amount and terminate feed from the system when the compared progressing weight is substantially equal to the set point weight or amount; and a viscous material compounding system connected to the feed system to receive material fed by the feed system.

Abstract: Multiple-batch train loading systems and methods, for example for loading coal, which are capable of accommodating railcars of a wide range of capacities and designs. Each railcar is loaded with at least a relatively large initial weighed batch having a weight at least approximately equal to the maximum available capacity of a weigh bin, and a relatively small final weighed batch. The initial weighed batch and the final weighed batch are both made up with precision. If required, one or more intermediate weighed batches are loaded into the railcar. The intermediate batches, if required, are made up rapidly, but not necessarily with precision.

Abstract: In a method for weighing a number of items, such as letters to be franked, on a transport belt that moves over a weighing plate, the base of which is formed by the transport belt, the transport speed of the belt is slowed within a measurement time range, that starts from the beginning of a weighing event on the weighing plate until a stable weight measurement occurs, and is accelerated outside of this measurement time range, after the occurrence of a stable weight value for a current item on the weighing plate, the next-following item is transported onto the weighing plate by the belt, and the weight of the next-following item is determined by the weight increase due to inflow of the next-following item and the weight decrease due to outflow of the current item.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method which is capable of dispensing very small (typically less than 5 mg) quantities of particles to a high accuracy in a repeatable way and without undue wastage. Also, the need for advanced particle formulation is reduced. The apparatus comprises a closed loop control system which uses an electromechanical actuator to deliver impact energy to a supply of particles initially held on a sieve in a hopper. The impact energy causes a small number of particles to fall through the sieve and onto a weight measuring balance. The weight obtained is scrutinised by a processor to see if further actuations are required. In preferred embodiments, the energy of actuation is varied in accordance with the rate of dispensation calculated by the processor. Also, a correction amount can be obtained to take account of the fact that the balance can take a considerable amount of time to settle to its final value.

Abstract: This invention relates to an in-feed control and dispersion apparatus, in the field of fresh food product industry. The apparatus receives a product from an in-feed device and delivers it to one or more receiver units. The apparatus includes a first product dispersion device, a weighing device and a second product dispersion device. Each first and second product dispersion device includes a base structure with a multiple through holes or slots, through which one or more associated moveable protruding structures move. During use of the apparatus, the top surface of the protruding structure is never moved lower than the bottom surface of the base structure.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a first measuring hopper, a first supply portion arranged above the first measuring hopper to supply the objects to the first measuring hopper, a second measuring hopper, a second supply portion fixedly arranged above the second measuring hopper to supply the objects to the second measuring hopper, a plurality of accommodating hoppers circumferentially arranged below the first and second measuring hoppers, and a control portion configured to control the second supply portion and the plurality of accommodating hoppers such that an accommodating hopper discharges the objects only if the total weight of the objects in the accommodating hopper that are discharged from the first and second measuring hoppers is substantially and no smaller than the predetermined weight. The plurality of accommodating hoppers are intermittently circulated such that each of the accommodating hoppers successively receives the objects from the first and second measuring hoppers.

Abstract: A method for weighing a crop is disclosed. The method includes (a) loading a crop into a container using a crop transport apparatus, (b) temporarily stopping the crop transport apparatus from loading the crop into the container, (c) weighing the crop using the container, (d) unloading the weighed crop from the container by automatically manipulating the container, and (e) repeating steps (a)–(d).

Abstract: A method and device for mixing and weighing fibrous material in a weighing cycle includes removing the fibrous material from fiber bales and transporting the fiber material with a feed device into a weighing container. The weighing container is proceeded by a pre-filling chamber that is separated from the weighing container by a controllable flap. After the fibrous material has been weighed, the material is ejected from the weighing container onto a mixing belt. The material feed device is controlled in accordance with a theoretical weight curve that is given for each fibrous material component. Transport speed of the material feed device is varied in accordance with the theoretical weight curve.

Abstract: A combinational measuring device is provided with a radiation feeder transporting objects and a measuring hopper measuring the weight of each group of objects transported by the radiation feeder. As to each measuring hopper performing introduction by a prescribed frequency, an average operation part obtains an average and standard deviation of a transport quantity every group transported by the radiation feeder. On the basis of the obtained standard deviation, a parameter operation part determines whether or not the transport quantity per group transported by the radiation feeder is dispersed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic method and apparatus for weighing into portions. Feeding of single units is performed by separating the feeding channels for rough feeding and fine feeding so that the feeding up to the weighing station is separated. When weighed portions are too large compared to a predetermined value, the apparatus rejects the portions and returns them back to the feeding stream. By separating the stream of units into fine weighing and rough weighing, with a rejection of unsatisfied portions, the portions can accurately be weighed with high performance with apparatus that is both inexpensive and space saving.

Abstract: A combinational weighing device is provided with a detection part detecting a measuring state on the basis of the quantity of a object introduced into each measuring hopper and a correction part operating a target dispersed weight defining the reference for control on a cross feeder by a supply control part. The correction part corrects the target dispersed weight in response to the measuring state of the combinational weighing device detected by the detection part. In other words, the correction part controls the quantity of the object supplied to a dispersion feeder on the basis of measured data indicating an actually measured value. Thus provided is a combinational weighing device performing efficient measurement without complicating the device structure.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for controlling a dynamic scale, the conveying speed of a conveyor belt for items of mail in the dynamic operating mode is independent of the format of the pieces of mail. During dynamic weighing, a controller of the scale deactivates the normal speed regulation for a DC motor and an unregulated pulsed voltage is applied to the DC motor. By an interaction of the motor with a tensioning device for a defined setting of the conveyor belt tension and due to a vibration-damped structure of the conveying arrangement of the scale, the conveying speed changes dependent on the weight of the piece of mail in a measuring time range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing device for mixing additive into a basic flow, comprising: a passage for the basic flow; an inlet for the additive in the passage; a container for the additive connected to the inlet via a dosing mechanism and having a controllable drive for discharge of the additive into the inlet; weighing means for determining the weight of at least the container with the additive; and a control for the drive which is connected to the weighting means for setting a dosed discharge, wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged on the inlet via the weighing means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fast and simultaneously an accurate method and apparatus for generating at least one batch by using at least one batch by using at least one coarse flow and one fine flow of items, wherein the items is the fine flow form a sequence of n-items. The weight of the n-number of items is registered and stored with one or more weighing means. This gives a weight distribution for the items that is utilized in selecting one or more items from the sequence so that a batch weight with a minimum overweight is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic method and apparatus for weighing into portions. Feeding of single units is performed by separating the feeding channels for rough feeding and fine feeding so that the feeding up to the weighing station is separated. When weighed portions are too large compared to a predetermined value, the apparatus rejects the portions and returns them back to the feeding stream. By separating the stream of units into fine weighing and rough weighing, with a rejection of unsatisfied portions, the portions ccan accurately be weighed with high performance with apparatus that is both inexpensive and space saving.

Abstract: The combination weighing apparatus is an apparatus that conducts combination weighing of articles based upon weight data from a plurality of weight hoppers, and is comprised of a plurality of supply buckets that supply articles to any of a plurality of weighing hoppers, a rotation mechanism that rotates the supply buckets so that they move along an arrangement of the weighing hoppers in a weighing area, and a control computer. The control computer controls the supply of articles from the supply buckets inside the weighing area to the weighing buckets, and from amongst the plurality of weighing hoppers that request a supply of articles, priority is given to the weighing buckets that are downstream in the direction of rotation, and article supply takes place.

Abstract: A system for sensing loads and varying the dynamics of mechanical devices to accommodate various load weights is disclosed. The system comprises a load receiving device, a load translocator, a load sensing device, and a control unit for processing information sent to it by the load sensing device. The control unit receives and calculates information corresponding to a load weight and varies the speed of a motor and/or hydraulic drive coupled to the mechanical devices translocating the load. This allows for more efficient and consistent load transfers. The system, as described herein, may be applied to several mechanical devices or systems. Specifically as described herein, the system is applied to a conveyor and sorting apparatus which comprises a hopper having a first and a second end, and further comprising a conveyor for transporting the produce from the first end to the second end, a roller bed, coupled to the second end of the hopper.

Abstract: A method and system for determining if a mail piece contains a loose particulate matter is disclosed. The mass of each mail piece is determined twice utilizing a vibrating tray scale. During one determination, the mass of everything contained within the mail piece, including any type of loose particulate matter, is included. During the other determination, the mass of any loose particulate matter contained within the mail piece is not included. If the mail piece contains any type of loose particulate matter, there will be a difference in the masses of the mail piece as determined by the vibrating tray scale, indicating the mail piece may contain a lose particulate matter. The mail piece can then be diverted from the normal processing path for further inspection, thereby preventing cross-contamination of other mail pieces and processing equipment.

Abstract: In a method for the control of a fast dynamic scale a first operating mode controls the transport device for transport of postal matter to a further processing station, a measurement with a weighing cell during the transport is made and an evaluation of the measured values with the letter format microprocessor for the weight determination given dynamic weighing, and weighed values are supplied to the further processing station. An automatic switching into a second operating mode for the semi-dynamic operation of the scale with static weighing ensues dependent on the result of a determination of the dimensions of the following piece of mail in a first processing station arranged upstream in the mail stream.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing or counting apparatus having a dispensing feeder and weighing hoppers is provided to achieve superior article transport by suitably controlling the operating parameter of the dispensing feeder. The combinatorial weighing or counting apparatus of the present invention includes a dispensing feeder 4, a plurality of weighing hoppers 7, a weighing device 11, and a DF operating parameter calculating unit 22. Articles to be weighed are supplied to the dispensing feeder 4. From the dispensing feeder 4 the articles are supplied to the weighing hoppers 7. The weighing device 11 is a means for detecting the weight of the articles on the dispensing feeder 4. The DF operating parameter calculating unit 22 is a means for controlling the amount of articles that are discharged from the dispensing feeder 4, based on weight information from the weighing device 11.

Abstract: A weigh feeding apparatus has a plurality of compartments to hold a material that is fed into the compartments and a scale for weighing the material held in the compartments. The compartments are configured to revolve about an axis at a substantially constant rate and the scale is configured to produce a signal determined by the weight of the material held in the compartments. The signal is capable of being used to control the rate at which material is fed into the compartments.

Abstract: An attachment for a feeder conveyor with the attachment comprising an angularly positionable gate that is angularly postionable within the trough of a feeder with the postionable gate having a secondary metering outlet so that when the postionable gate is in the down position it partially close off the material flow path within the feeder while allowing only a portion of the solid materials in the material flow path to pass therethrough to thereby extend the range at which material can be controllable and uniformly delivered from the feeder.

Abstract: A check weigher for a bagging system includes a compartmentalized rotatable drum positioned immediately beneath a chute receiving bags from a conveyor system of a bagger. The rotatable drum is maintained upon a scale adapted to determine the tare weight of the bag and its contents. A receptacle is positioned on each side of the rotatable compartmentalized drum. A reversible stepping motor is connected to and is operative to drive the drum. A controller is interposed between the stepping motor and the scale. When the controller determines that the weight indicated by the scale is within an acceptable range of weights, the compartmentalized drum is rotated in a first direction, causing the bag to be deposited in a first acceptable drum, while simultaneously positioning a new compartment beneath the chute.

Abstract: To provide a compact vibrating transport apparatus in which the amount of an article M to be transported can be controlled highly accurately, the vibrating transport apparatus is designed to transport the article M loaded on a trough 4 by vibrating the trough 4 in a predetermined vibrating direction. The apparatus includes strain gauges 14a to 14d mounted on a portion of the transport apparatus where elastic strains are developed upon placement of the article M on the trough 4, and a weight detecting circuit 15 for detecting the weight W of the article M placed on the trough 4 on the basis of the amount of the strains detected by the strain gauges 14a to 14d.

Abstract: In a method an arrangement for controlling a dynamic scale is set via an input unit according to the respective requirements for processing a mixed mail stack, the setting optionally ensuing on the basis of selected shipping parameters and/or operating parameters that are displayed via a display unit. A modification of the operating parameters and data corresponding to the setting can be undertaken and stored in the non-volatile memory of the scale. Weighing of a supplied piece of mail takes place and a controller drives a conveyor of the scale such that the piece of mail is transported to a further processing station dependent on the operating parameters and data that have been set.

Abstract: A combination weighing and counting apparatus includes a plurality of vibrating feeders (1) arranged and mounted on a support frame and adapted to be electrically powered from an alternating current source to transport articles, a plurality of weighing hoppers (28) for measuring respective weights of the articles (M) supplied from the vibrating feeders (1), and a combination selecting device for combining weights or numbers of the articles supplied to the weighing hoppers and for selecting a combination of the articles (M) which falls within a tolerance range. To minimize vibration of the support frame so that any undesirable reduction in weighing accuracy can be suppressed, there is provided a feeder drive control device (42) for driving the neighboring vibrating feeders (1) at a driving phase opposite to each other.